The Ghana Airports Company (GAC) has updated the Covid-19 guidelines for passengers using the Kotoka International Airport.

The revised guidelines take effect from January 6, 2023 at 00:00 hours (UTC).

This follows new concerns about the outbreak of the virus in China and other countries.

In a press release, the Ghana Airports Company indicated that passengers from China will be required to produce valid negative Covid-19 PCR test results taken 48 hours prior to departure from the country.

“Passengers ORIGINATING THEIR journey from CHINA WILL BE REQUIRED TO PRESENT A VALID NEGATIVE COVID-19 PCR TEST RESULT 48 HOURS PRIOR TO DEPARTURE FROM ORIGINATING COUNTRY.”

The statement further noted that, “All persons arriving in Ghana (citizens, residents, and visitors) who are fully vaccinated will be exempt from any form of testing done either prior to boarding from originating country or on arrival in Ghana EXCEPT PASSENGERS ORIGINATING THEIR JOURNEY FROM CHINA.

“In addition, such passengers will be required to UNDERGO MANDATORY COVID-19 TESTING ON ARRIVAL AT THE KOTOKA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT AT NO COST,” it noted.

The Ghana Airports Company further stated that, “All OTHER PASSENGERS, ORIGINATING THEIR JOURNEY FROM ELSEWHERE OTHER THAN CHINA (i.e., Ghanaian citizens, permanent residents of Ghana or non-Ghanaians), who ARE PARTIALLY VACCINATED OR UNVACCINATED, WILL BE REQUIRED TO PRESENT A VALID NEGATIVE COVID-19 PCR TEST RESULT 48 HOURS PRIOR TO DEPARTURE FROM ORIGINATING COUNTRY.”

In addition “passengers may be randomly selected and offered test on arrival.”

They also stated that “airlines that bring passengers to Kotoka International Airport who are not fully vaccinated or passengers originating their journey from China without a valid negative Covid-19 PCR test results 48 hours prior to the departure would be surcharged $3500.”

“Wearing of nose mask is recommended in all Airport Terminals and ancillary buildings,” the GAC stressed.